In 2021, the news was dominated by COVID-19. All the new variants and vaccine rollouts seemed to blind most of us to other scientific discoveries throughout the year. So, here is a breakdown of some of the most remarkable findings you probably didn’t hear about.
What's up, doc? Surprise email fees are the new healthcare trend
The doctor will see you now … anywhere, thanks to telehealth tech. But patients have found these visits are sneaking a hand into their wallets. Reports show that a growing number of hospital services across the country charge patients just to message their doctors. That’s leading to surprise fees as high as $50 for an email!
I know. It feels like we’re getting nickeled and dimed for everything from concert tickets to all the ongoing hidden cable fees. But charging patients to ask an online question seems pretty extreme. Doctors have their reasons. Patients are not happy. Let’s break it all down.
Uh-oh, is my clinic charging me extra like this?
Bottom line: You should check. Some hospital systems use proprietary software to do it on their end, while others charge via standard patient portals like MyChart. Hospitals in Ohio (including the Cleveland Clinic), Illinois, Maryland (including Johns Hopkins), Texas, Pennsylvania, Oregon and California have all taken the pricey plunge.
Doctors report that, so far, most of these billable messages come from people in their 50s and 60s. They have the technical know-how to send an online message and are more likely to have important questions about their health.
But that also means that younger patients may jump onto patient portals and shoot an email as they would to their bestie — without realizing that hospital systems have been quietly adding charges. So how’d that happen?
An exercise in patients: Why messages cost money now
Blame it on the telemedicine rush. Telemedicine was already a growing option in the 2010s but went into overdrive during COVID-19. Doctors and hospitals raced to implement systems and a massive wave of patients started learning to use them.
Telehealth portals couldn’t handle video visits like simple phone calls unless they opened call centers! Instead, they used emails to screen patients and chose only a few for online video chats with a doctor.
The problem is that’s still a lot of emails. And doctors (plus their assistants) were losing money and precious time, taking hours to go through email explanations of symptoms.
But there was a waiting solution: In 2019, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services added new billing codes that allowed healthcare businesses to charge money for written messages. Slowly but surely, message fees have gone live.
Unfortunately, it sounds like a system ripe for abuse to me, and the last thing anyone needs is another medical charge. So let’s look at how to stop it.
Use this site to score 4 free COVID tests
With so much happening worldwide, you don’t hear as much about the spread of COVID-19 anymore. That doesn’t mean it’s not still out there. It is.
Making matters worse, fake at-home tests have been flooding the market. Aside from getting ripped off, a false reading may prevent you from seeking treatment. The FDA issued a warning on a specific at-home drug test resembling an authorized kit. Tap or click here for the warning signs an at-home test is fake.
The Chinese communist government issues a personal warning to Elon Musk
Why does China care if Elon Musk shares a Covid-19 lab leak story? Here’s what you should know, in 60 seconds.
Zuck’s singing like a canary: The question is why? Mark Zuckerberg finally admitted Facebook censored conservative views during the pandemic, citing pressure from senior White House officials. Posts criticizing the COVID-19 vaccines, mask mandates or suggesting the virus was created in a Chinese laboratory were deleted.
Make extra cash through side hustles - but don't get scammed
It can be tough to find a new job or change careers. Many are turning to the internet for recruiting agents, job posting sites or looking on social media. Scammers are also waiting to pounce on job seekers to make things even trickier.
How new Alexa features can help care for the older people in your life
It can be challenging when caring for an aging loved one. There aren’t many tools to make the job more accessible, and with COVID-19 around, face-to-face meetings are difficult.
But when you can’t physically be with your loved ones, companies like Amazon attempt to make the world a smaller place. Through initiatives such as Alexa Together, the service can send you daily check-in alerts or dispatch emergency services if a fall is detected.
Shocker: 5G and airline safety
Remember when people blamed 5G for spreading COVID-19? Now, people say it’s interfering with airline landing systems. Here’s why, in 60 seconds.
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Have at-home COVID tests? Toss out this brand
There is still a considerable demand for COVID-19 tests, and there are several at-home options. But not all COVID-19 tests are equal. Late last year, millions were recalled as they didn’t seem as reliable as expected.
That COVID passport app may put your privacy at risk
Even though the world’s attention has shifted to Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic is still a matter of concern. Millions of people have already stood in line to get their vaccinations and were issued a certificate as proof. Tap or click here for the places you are most likely to pick up the virus.
From testing to treatment - Official website set up to find COVID info
The demand for at-home COVID-19 testing kits is still high, and it’s not always easy to find them. Though some drug stores have a supply, don’t expect it to last.
There have been millions of recalls for faulty test kits, and even worse is the proliferation of fake and overpriced tests. Even legitimate tests are being sold at a premium, and there’s no reason you should be paying ridiculous prices. Tap or click here for tips on spotting a fraudulent test kit.
Looking for free COVID tests? Avoid these fraudulent sites
The highly-infectious omicron variant is still rapidly spreading across the country. As a result, millions of people want to know if they are infected and need at-home tests. What are your chances of getting COVID? Tap or click here for a CDC map that charts breakthrough cases.
Check the mail for this letter about your final IRS stimulus payment
The global pandemic shows no signs of letting up, with millions of people still struggling from furloughs or price increases. If you need to get tested for COVID-19, here’s where you can find at-home tests that are in stock.
Don't download this COVID app! It's spreading malware
Current COVID case numbers are through the roof. Whether down to state-level or your neighborhood, most people are interested to see where the hotspots are. What are your chances of getting COVID? CDC map charts breakthrough cases.
As more flights are canceled, scams are spiking - How to protect yourself
The combination of the omicron COVID-19 variant and severe weather conditions has led to many flights being canceled. Tap or click here for details on fraudulent COVID tests being offered by robocallers.
By Tuesday afternoon, airlines canceled 1,400 more flights around the country. This has left many travelers stranded and frustrated, as more than 20,000 flights have been canceled since Christmas Eve.
Stores and restaurants open on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve
Season’s Greetings! The countdown to Christmas is speeding up, and hopefully, you have most of your holiday and grocery shopping finished. Tap or click here for some shipping deadlines to consider.
Most retail outlets are closed on major holidays, and Christmas might be considered the biggest holiday of the year. Even so, there are still some stores and restaurants that will remain open for guests and patrons to shop and eat.
Surprise! Why you shouldn't trust Google for health advice
The pandemic has caused people to be more concerned about their health, and that’s a good thing. A steady diet and exercise will help most people keep healthy, but others may need a little more.
We know the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, and it’s more important than ever they stay on top of their treatments. Prescription medication can be expensive, but there are some ways to save. Tap or click here to check out a site that can help you save up to 80% at the pharmacy.
Millions of at-home COVID tests recalled - Did you take one?
The COVID pandemic has been raging for more than a year and a half now. What are your chances of getting COVID? Tap or click here for a map that charts breakthrough cases.
The good news is there have been developments to help, like at-home testing kits, so you can easily find out if you’re infected. But can these tests be trusted? At-home tests don’t seem to be as reliable as expected.
What are your chances of getting COVID? New CDC map charts breakthrough cases
Government agencies like the CDC and other healthcare institutions provide tools to keep the public informed on the spread of COVID-19 and the measures taken to combat the pandemic. Online charts, graphs and maps are a result of extensive research and are available for anyone to see.
Need holiday cash? Amazon is looking to fill 150K seasonal job openings
It’s a job seeker’s market, and this is the time to take advantage. Employers are looking to fill the positions left open by layoffs and other factors related to the global pandemic.
Long gone are the days when you could grab a stack of resumes and hit the pavements in search of work. Job postings, interviews and applications are digital these days. Anyone can benefit from a refresher of the best practices for finding a job and doing your best to represent yourself. We put together a report aimed at older candidates. Tap or click here for 7 tips that will help you get hired.